CW3 (Ret.) Trason (Tray) Willemin

Trason Willemin began his distinguished military career in 1994 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an 0311 Infantryman, and 8152 Security Forces Specialist until 1998, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5). In 1999, he transitioned to the U.S. Army, serving as an Airframe Mechanic, before completing flight training and becoming a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot. He served with distinction from 1999 to 2015, retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3).

Throughout his career, CW3 Willemin received numerous awards and decorations, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Air Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd Award), Army and Marine Good Conduct Medals,National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the U.S. Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the U.S. Aircrew Badge.

As a Black Hawk pilot, CW3 Willemin flew 178 Combat Medical Evacuation missions, successfully rescuing over 286 U.S., NATO, and Afghan personnel from the battlefield under a wide range of combat conditions, many under heavy fire.

Following his retirement, CW3 (Ret.) Willemin pursued higher education with the same dedication he brought to his military service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure Therapeutics from Texas State University. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Developmental Education Administration at Sam Houston State University, where his dissertation focuses on improving educational outcomes for all struggling students and of course Veteran students as well.

While in his master’s program, Tray was invited by one of his professors—now a longtime friend and colleague—to co-author and later lead academic research. To date, they have published three peer-reviewed journal articles, with Tray serving as lead author on one of the studies.

In addition to his military and academic achievements,CW3 (Ret.) Willemin has been an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) since 2014, holding numerous leadership positions at both the Post and District levels in the States of Texas and Michigan. He currently serves as the Quartermaster of VFW Post 3243 in Fenton, Michigan, and as the District 10 Commander for the Department of Michigan VFW.

CW3 (Ret.) Willemin continues to serve his community and fellow veterans through leadership, advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to service, education, and the core values of the veteran community.